Digital Security

Definition

• The precautions that all technology users must take to guarantee their personal safety and the security of their network.

Essential Questions

• How do students protect their technology in a digital society?
• How can students be taught to protect themselves and their equipment from harm?

Digital Security Issues

• Protecting hardware and network security
• Protecting personal security: identity theft, phishing, online stalking
• Protecting school security: hackers, viruses
• Protecting community security: terrorist threats

Examples of Inappropriate Digital Security

• Teachers or students fail to maintain current software updates or patches that protect their computers from viruses and exploitation.
• Students fail to protect their identity when using e-mail, chat, or instant messaging

Examples of Appropriate Digital Security

• Users take the time to make sure their virus protection firewalls are properly updated and configured to protect personal information.
• Teachers and parents talk to students about the dangers of providing information to anyone over the Internet.

Resources

• Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
• Education CyberPlayGround
• Educator's Guide to Computer Crime and Technology Misuse
• CERT Home Computer Security